When you purchase gear through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Here’s why you can trust our tests and our affiliate partner.
Are you one of those lucky people who travel often? Do you find yourself lacking space in your car or at home to store all your gear? Then stay with us, as this might be very interesting for you. Nobile has been producing their legendary Split board for nearly a decade and we couldn’t be more excited to test the latest carbon version.
Let’s start with the obvious: yes, you can split this board into two pieces. Nobile was the first brand to introduce this concept and it remains one of their top sellers. The NHP Carbon Split is crafted with carbon fiber and cutting-edge materials, features and design you’d expect from a top brand like Nobile, which has been at the forefront of kiteboard design for over 20 years. The main difference from the standard NHP Split is the carbon fiber layer, which adds more stiffness, performance and feedback while reducing weight.
So, how does it work? The board splits directly in the center with a “W” shaped design, creating a seamless connection that minimizes drag while riding. You don’t even need a screwdriver to put it together: simply align both parts, uncover a small plastic piece, slide a couple of small levers and that’s it. The board is as solid as it gets. But it doesn’t stop there in terms of ease of use – fins and footstraps are equally easy to mount with the “Click&Go screw” system, allowing you to adjust everything by hand without tools. Sounds perfect to travel, doesn’t it?
Now, to answer the question you’re probably asking (and we also had)… Do you feel any difference while riding? For the vast majority of riders the answer is a resounding ‘no’. There won’t be any difference compared to a regular twintip as the board behaves exactly like a standard one. In fact, this is a high-performance freeride board that just happens to split into two pieces. It features rectangular channels on the bottom and a defined rocker, resulting in a balanced and light ride. In both flat and choppy waters, the board feels completely locked to the water, offering a grippy ride with minimal drag. The flex is hard, as expected from a carbon board, making it reactive and responsive. Going upwind is effortless and pops are explosive. The way the board absorbs energy on impacts makes landings quite easy.
Riding in choppy waters is where the true magic happens, this is typically one of the best features of Nobile boards and the Split is no exception. It flexes and cuts through the water, making the ride smooth and stable even in the choppiest conditions.
This board is ideal for beginners due to its early planing and great upwind performance and also for intermediate riders looking for good pop and easy landings. Very comfortable to ride, with great performance and ease of use, this board is perfect for those who travel often and need a high-quality, performance freeride board. If you’re the kind of kiter who enjoys clocking up the air miles, this board is a fantastic choice for enjoying your sessions and saving a chunk of cash on baggage fees.